Arbitrator overturns Millbury police officer's firing

MILLBURY — A police officer fired last summer on charges of harassment will return to her job after an arbitrator overturned the Board of Selectmen's decision.

On Aug. 29, the board terminated Detective Kimberly Brothers from the Police Department during an executive session. According to Selectman E. Bernard Plante, board chairman, Detective Brothers was dismissed after an outside hearing officer found credible the charges of citizens who alleged they were harassed by her while she was on duty.

Mr. Plante said late Monday that the town received the decision from arbitrator Timothy J. Buckalew of Westboro on Friday afternoon.

"The arbitrator did not sustain the charges against her," Mr. Plante said.

He did not know yet when Ms. Brothers would return to the department.

Town officials did not release the details of the charges against Detective Brothers last summer, but Mr. Plante said, "When the (former) chief brings it to the board as police commissioners, you have to address it."

Detective Brothers was placed on administrative leave in spring 2012 after a special investigator completed a seven-month probe into alleged misconduct by another member of the Police Department, Officer Daniel Daly. One of the 10 allegations against Officer Daly, engaging in conduct unbecoming an officer, was sustained.

Efforts to reach Ms. Brothers Monday evening were not successful.

Contact Susan Spencer at susan.spencer@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanSpencerTG